Kenya after Live Aid

SOS Children has a long association with Kenya, having work there since 1975. Kenya is a beautiful country that attracts a great deal of tourism, predominantly from those seeking safaris. The Great Rift Valley also attracts those looking to discover more about our origins; it is here that palaeontologists discovered very early evidence of man's ancestors.Despite these assets, Kenya remains a place where poverty persists and estimates state that 60% of the population live in some degree of poverty.

Whilst economic growth has improved life for some, approximately 11 million people are malnourished and life expectancy at birth is the same now as it was in 1980. However, it's ranking on the Human Development Index has improved and Kenya is now 145th.

Find out more about how you can sponsor a child in Kenya…

Time Line

• 1963 - Kenya gains independence, Kenyatta becomes prime minister.

• 1964 - Republic of Kenya formed. Kenyatta becomes president, Odinga vice-president.

• 1974 - Kenyatta re-elected.

• 1975 SOS Children constructs first Children’s Village in Kenya in Nairobi. The Village now includes a Social Centre and a Vocational Training Centre that offers a diverse number of classes, as well as a

  

  Nursery and Primary School. The village has a vital Family Carer Centre which works with those in the local community affected by HIV/AIDS.

• 1978 - Kenyatta dies in office. He is succeeded by Daniel arap Moi.

• 1979 SOS Children finishes construction work on the Children’s Village in Mombassa.

• 1982 Kenya’s National Assembly declares Kenya a one-party state.

• 1990 SOS Children opens a third village, Eldoret. It includes a Secondary School which is now one of the best schools in the area, as well as an SOS Youth Home for older children nearing independence.

• 1991 At a special conference, Kanu agrees to introduce a multi-party system.

• 1992 - 2,000 people killed in tribal conflict in the west.

• 1992 (December) Moi re-elected in multi-party elections; Kanu wins a strong majority.

• 1997 Moi wins again, in elections that are widely criticised.

• 1998 Al-Qaeda bombs the US embassy in Nairobi. 224 people are killed and thousands are injured.
  

• 2001 (June) Parliament passes a law that allows companies to import and manufacture cheap copies of anti-Aids drugs.

• 2001 - Ethnic tensions flare into violent clashes, thousands flee.
  

• 2002 Elections - Mwai Kibaki wins a landslide victory.Daniel arap Moi's 24-year rule comes to an end as does Kanu's four decades in power.

• 2004 (March-July) Draft of new constitution completed, it requires parliament's approval and proposes curbing president's powers and creating post of prime minister. Disappointingly the deadline for enactment is missed.

• 2004 (July-August) Drought and crop failures lead to a major food crisis. It is called a national disaster.

  

  A child from Meru in Kenya

• 2005 SOS Children opens a fourth Children’s Village – Meru.

• 2005 (July) Parliament finally approves a draft constitution following violent protests called because opponents say it gives the president too much power.

• 2005 (November-December)Voters reject a proposed new constitution. This is seen as a rejection of President Kibaki. In response, he replaces his cabinet; however some nominees reject their appointments.

• 2006 (January) Four million people are in desperate need of food aid due to a drought.

• 2006 (November – December) Regional flooding leaves thousands homeless.

• 2007 A disputed presidential election results in violence - more than 1,500 die.

• 2009 At least 10 million people, or one third of the population, require food aid. In response, the government uses the military to distribute food, water and medicines to areas hit hardest by drought. 1.5 million people are living with HIV/AIDs - the 4th highest number in the world.
  

• 2010 The maternal death rate is 360 deaths per 100,000 live births meaning Kenya is ranked 29th worst in the world on this measure. The percentage of those with access to an improved drinking source rises to 59%.
  

• 2011 East Africa hit by the worst drought in 60 years.

  

  Children from Kisumu, Kenya

  
  

• 2012 Oil discovered. SOS Children opens another community; Children’s Village Kisumu.
  

• 2013 The presidential election is won by Uhuru Kenyatta, the son of Kenya's first president, who achieves just over 50% of the vote.The infant mortality rate stands at 42.18 deaths per 1,000 births, 51st worst in the world.